Message from the Bylaws Committee
The Bylaws Committee was formed in the summer of 2026 to verify that First Parish’s bylaws were optimal for the process of calling a new minister. There were no problems in the sections on calling a minister. But we did want to have high participation in Congregational Meetings, and with the number of remote participants in services we wanted members to be able to attend and vote virtually.
Many people have asked “Why Now?”
Each week between 40-80 households attend Sunday services. Some members are not able attend in person. Some are members who have other obligations or are traveling. For Congregational Meetings we believe that every member’s voice matters whether they are in person or online.
Because we will be having a Congregational Meeting to vote on whether to accept a new called minister, we want to make sure as many members as possible are able to participate in that vote.
We’ve learned that ministers being called to a new congregation look to see what percentage of the members voted for them to be called. Allowing virtual attendees, who are members, to vote, increases the total number of members represented.
Here is a quick review of the steps we have taken so far:
- Over the summer of 2026 the Bylaws Committee met to discuss what would need to be changed in the bylaws to allow for online voting and participation by members in Congregational Meetings.
- The Bylaws Committee met with key stakeholders in the congregation during the summer and fall to get a better understanding of what would need to be put in place for online voting to meet the criteria of Robert’s Rules of Order, which are the rules First Parish follows for Congregational Meetings.
- The Bylaws Committee has also been researching technical logistics to have full participation for online Congregational Meetings. This technology was tested out at the B4 workshop held at First Parish in the Fall. There were in person attendees and online attendees. Both groups could speak and be heard by everyone in the workshop.
- We have also been researching different types of software that would enable those online to be able to have secret ballots.
- Because the fall of 2026 has been full of important meetings, listening sessions and feedback forums for the Search Committee, Transition Team and Covenant Committee, the Bylaws Committee has waited to have engagement meetings with the Congregation until late November. There will be an in-person meeting November 22 from 11:30-12:30 in the Parlor and on December 2 from 8:00pm to 9pm on zoom.
As we move forward with this process, we will do our best to keep you informed and educated.
Your Bylaws Committee,
Tish Miller, John Shriver, Cathy Slesnick, Anne Quaadgras